In a standout performance on Wednesday night, redshirt junior Duncan Powell led Georgia Tech’s men’s basketball team to a thrilling 71-64 victory over Virginia Tech at McCamish Pavilion. Making only his second start as a Yellow Jacket, Powell delivered a career-high 23-point performance, energizing his team and fans alike.
Powell Shines Bright
Powell’s impressive 23 points came from an efficient 7-of-11 shooting, including a remarkable 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. This outing surpassed his previous career-best of 21 points, which he recorded earlier in the season against Notre Dame. Powell, who joined Georgia Tech this season, has been a consistent contributor and is proving his mettle as a reliable scorer. Prior to joining the Yellow Jackets, Powell only reached the 20-point mark twice during his collegiate career—20 points against Northern Arizona while playing for Sacramento State and another 20-point game against College of Charleston as a redshirt freshman at North Carolina A&T in 2023.
The game started with a bang for Powell, as he scored eight of his 23 points in the first three minutes of play. With two quick three-pointers and a mid-range jumper, Powell helped the Yellow Jackets surge to an early 13-4 lead. This strong start set the tone for the rest of the game, and although Virginia Tech fought back, Georgia Tech never trailed by more than two points.
Team Effort Leads to Victory
While Powell stole the spotlight, Georgia Tech’s victory was a team effort, with four Yellow Jackets scoring in double figures. Javian McCollum contributed 16 points, Baye Ndongo added 14, and Naithan George chipped in 11. The starting lineup was instrumental, with all five players logging at least 32 minutes each.
Despite missing four key players—Lance Terry, Jaeden Mustaf, Kowacie Reeves Jr., and Luke O’Brien—who have combined for 32 starts this season, the Yellow Jackets showcased resilience. With a short rotation of only seven players seeing action, the team relied heavily on its starters to deliver, and they rose to the occasion.
Baye Ndongo led all players with nine rebounds, providing a strong presence on the boards, while Naithan George dished out a game-high seven assists, facilitating Tech’s offensive flow.
Key Moments in the Game
Georgia Tech built an early lead, but the game tightened as Virginia Tech pushed back. The Yellow Jackets trailed briefly in the second half, facing a 45-43 deficit. However, a decisive 10-2 run, capped by clutch plays from Powell and McCollum, turned the tide in favor of Georgia Tech. This surge gave them a 53-47 lead with under 12 minutes to play—a lead they would maintain for the remainder of the game.
Virginia Tech Struggles to Match Powell’s Energy
Virginia Tech’s Tyler Johnson led his team with 14 points, but the Hokies struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm against a determined Georgia Tech defense. The loss dropped Virginia Tech to 8-11 on the season and 3-5 in ACC play, while Georgia Tech improved to 9-11 overall and 3-6 in the conference.
Looking Ahead
With the win, Georgia Tech snapped a four-game losing streak and gained some much-needed momentum. The Yellow Jackets will now aim to build on this victory as they prepare to face Notre Dame on the road next Tuesday, January 28. The game is set for a 9 p.m. tipoff and will be televised nationally on ACC Network.
Final Thoughts
Duncan Powell’s career night was a testament to his growth as a player and his ability to step up when his team needed him most. His performance, combined with the collective effort of Georgia Tech’s starters, highlighted the team’s resilience and determination despite being shorthanded.
As Georgia Tech continues its season, fans will undoubtedly look forward to more thrilling performances and hard-fought victories like this one. With Powell leading the charge and the team coming together as a unit, the Yellow Jackets are poised to make some noise in the ACC.
